Guidance for input to the annual reports in the context of the Enlargement Package Sonja NITA Centre of Thematic Expertise on Civil Society/ Directorate General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations Skopje, 27 th April 2016

Thematic areas Enabling legal and policy environment for the rights of freedom of expression, assembly and association Dialogue and cooperation between CSOs and public institutions Enabling financial environment which supports the sustainability of CSOs

Enabling legal and policy environment for the rights of freedom of expression, assembly and association Can all individuals and legal entities express themselves, assemble peacefully and establish, join and participate in non-formal and/or registered organisations? Freedom of association: Is registration easy, timely and inexpensive? Is there a policy/legal framework to facilitate volunteering in CSOs?

Dialogue and cooperation between CSOs and public institutions Are strategic documents for the cooperation with civil society in place (national strategy, roadmap etc.)? Is the strategic document implemented effectively? Is there a structure or mechanism in place for dialogue and cooperation between CSOs and public institutions (at the level of government, ministries, parliament as well as local level)? How is dialogue and cooperation between CSOs and public institutions working in practice? Does a framework on public consultation exist (binding or non-binding)?Are laws/ bylaws, strategies and policy reforms effectively consulted with CSOs?

Enabling financial environment which supports the sustainability of CSOs Is public funding or any other form of support available for CSOs? Are there clear and legally binding mechanisms in place for the distribution of public funds? Does legislation provide tax incentives for individual or corporate giving to the non-profit sector?

Thank you for your attention! Sonja Nita Centre for Thematic Expertise on Civil Society Support DG NEAR